CONSTRUCTION WINNER

Joseph H. Nanney Jr.Meynardie & Nanney PLLC, RaleighI worked at the Richmond County Airport in Rockingham, pumping gas and washing airplanes in exchange for flying lessons. I soloed shortly after my 16th birthday.

Vita: Born March 18, 1961, in Hendersonville; bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College and law degree from UNC Chapel Hill; wife and two children.

Memorable case: I once had a jury announce after a multiweek trial that they were awarding damages of several million dollars against my client. Because the jury returned the verdict late in the afternoon, the judge told the jurors to return the next morning to be polled individually. Each juror was required to stand up while the clerk read the five-page verdict sheet aloud and then asked, “Is this your verdict?” Eleven answered yes. The 12th answered no. We later learned that, after sleeping on it, she concluded that the judgment was not right and would not support it. The jury eventually hung, and no judgment was entered. Yogi Berra was right when he said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

Passions: Music, snow skiing and cheering for my kids on the basketball court.

Where he’d live if he had to practice somewhere else: Near a ski slope.

What he’d be if not a lawyer: Jazz musician in a dive bar.

Hero: Franklin Roosevelt.

Favorite place: Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Recent reading:The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein — the world from a dog’s perspective.

Don’t ask him to: Answer the phone or talk to you if the Heels are playing basketball on TV — unless you want to discuss the game.